Friday, March 14, 2008

Prayer Requests for Feast of the Annunciation

American Life League invites Americans to submit their prayer intentions online for the March 31 Feast of the Annunciation. American Life League’s spiritual director will be saying a Mass for the safe delivery of all babies and those intentions submitted.“The month of March provides us with the ideal opportunity to celebrate the personhood of the preborn human being,” said Michaeleen Sedlak, events coordinator for American Life League.“Specifically,” continued Sedlak, “March 25, which exactly is nine months prior to Christmas, is celebrated by Christians as the first day that Jesus came to earth. On that day, known as the Feast of the Annunciation, Mary said ‘yes’ to God’s plan, becoming the first arc of the covenant as Jesus took up residence in her womb.”

According to the Catholic liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Annunciation will be celebrated on March 31 this year because March 25 falls within the Octave of Easter.

“The significance of this day is not lost on the many countries that celebrate it as a holiday,” said Sedlak. “El Salvador, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru have all officially recognized the Feast of the Annunciation. American Life League is planning to commemorate the day by having a special Mass offered for the safe birth of all babies in the womb. In addition, we have developed a set of activities that individuals and groups can participate in throughout March.”